LEADING MEDICINE SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2021
9 Ways to Help Prevent Heart Disease
When to See a Doctor for
ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES Colon Cancer in Younger Adults: Know the Risks
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN WEST HOUSTON/KATY
New Location Now Open
human body is made to move. At Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our highly trained therapy Methodist Orthopedics &sports-related Sports Medicine alists help Houston patients recover from arthritis, orthopedic surgery and injuries. By incorporating nced techniques and technology into personalized treatment plans, our therapists get patients back to their day routines and the activities they enjoy.
Physical Therapy in Memorial City
T
he human body is made to move. At Houston Methodist Orthopedics &at Sports Medicine,City our highly trained therapy ston Methodist’s therapists Memorial specialists help patients recover from arthritis, orthopedic alize in: surgery and sports-related injuries. By incorporating advanced techniques and technology into personalized treatment orts medicine • Hand/Occupational therapy plans, our therapists get patients back to their everyday routines thopedics and the activities •theySpine enjoy. Our new location in Memorial City has Houston Methodist therapists specializing in: ialty services at thismedicine location include: Hand/occupational therapy Sports Orthopedics Spine
Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/physical-therapy for more information. To schedule an appointment, call 832.522.8777.
HOUSTON METHODIST ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE
FRIES RD.
CAMPBELL RD.
BRIAR BRANCH
BLALOCK RD.
er G treadmill • Sports specialists Specialty services at this location include: ood flow • Trigger point Manual therapy Alter G treadmill Blood flow restriction striction therapy dry needling Sports specialists therapy Trigger point dry needling anual therapy
WESTVIEW DR.
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Orthopedics & Houston Methodist Sports MedicineSports in Memorial City Medicine in Memorial City 9090 Katy Fwy., Suite 9090120 Katy Fwy., Suite 120 Houston, TX, 77024 Houston, TX 77024
When Summertime Fun Leads to Injury
S
ummertime often means spending more time outdoors. Some of the most common summer pastimes and activities pose some risks that can send people to the emergency room. It is important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe while enjoying summer activities. Riding bikes, skateboarding, roller-skating. Wear a helmet that fits properly and wear wrist, elbow and knee guards. When stonmethodist.org/orthopedics/physical-therapy bike riding, follow the rules of the road and learn hand signals. swimming. Everyone on a boat should wear a 522.8777 | Boating Fax: and 832.522.8778 Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Never drink alcohol when operating a boat. Never leave a child unattended at the ocean, lake or poolside. Follow safety rules posted at the beach and at public pools. Using fireworks. Follow instructions and read safety warnings. Stand several feet from lit fireworks and have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Hiking and camping. Wear insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET, and follow instructions for proper use. Check everyone for ticks at least once a day.
BEAT THE HEAT
Pace yourself in hot weather and make sure everyone drinks lots of water to prevent dehydration. Protect your family from the sun by covering up as much skin as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB absorption. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply often. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
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WHEN SUMMERTIME EMERGENCIES STRIKE At Houston Methodist Emergency Care Centers and Emergency Departments, we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe, including: Screening visitors before entering our clinics Increasing levels of cleaning in our facilities Isolating suspected coronavirus patients Requiring masks and ensuring social distancing in waiting rooms — if you forget your mask, we can provide one Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find emergency care near you.
9 WAYS TO HELP
PREVENT HEART DISEASE
H
eart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. But lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 80%.* Dr. Anil Odhav “It’s important to establish habits that help to keep your heart functioning as it should,” said Dr. Anil Odhav, a cardiologist with Houston Methodist West Hospital. Odhav recommends taking these steps to help keep your heart healthy:
1
Don’t smoke. Smoking constricts blood vessels, forcing your heart to work harder. It damages your entire circulatory system and also reduces your “good” (HDL) cholesterol. See your health care provider for help quitting.
2
Be active. “Strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least five days a week,” Odhav said. “Easy ways to add activity include walking or biking rather than driving whenever possible, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from your destination. You can also play sports, swim or dance.”
3
Eat a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fats. Tracking what you eat with a food diary for a week or two is a good place to start. Then concentrate on eating more fruits and vegetables, whole-grain foods and lean proteins including fish and nonfat dairy products. Limit foods with added sugars and saturated fats.
Talk to Your Doctor
Schedule an appointment to learn your 10-year risk for heart disease and receive cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. To find a DeBakey Heart & Vascular Specialist near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/debakey or call 832.522.5522.
4
Prevent or treat other health conditions. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, follow your health care provider’s instructions to control your levels through lifestyle modifications and, perhaps, medication. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, take steps to reduce your blood sugar, such as losing weight, eating fewer sweets, getting regular exercise and taking any medication prescribed for you.
5
Control your weight. “Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight eases the burden on your heart and improves blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Losing just 10 pounds if you’re overweight can help lower high blood pressure,” Odhav said.
6
Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can raise the level of triglycerides, a type of fat, in the blood. It can also lead to high blood pressure. Women should average no more than one drink per day, and men no more than one to two drinks.
7
Get enough sleep. The amount needed varies from person to person, but most people need six to eight hours of sleep a night. Poor quality sleep is linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, a potential cause of heart disease. Too little or too much sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.*
8
Manage stress. While the link between stress and heart disease still isn’t well understood, stress leads some people to habits that are bad for their hearts, such as smoking and excessive drinking. Managing or reducing stress is good for your overall health.
9
Get regular checkups. An annual physical exam can help you track important numbers like your blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, blood sugar and weight. If results from any of these tests are cause for concern, your health care provider can recommend specific lifestyle changes to manage a particular risk factor or prescribe medication. * American Heart Association.
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When to See a Doctor for
ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES
W
hen you have an injury, you may wonder what to do next. Should you just walk it off, hope to get an appointment with a doctor the next day, go to an urgent care clinic the same day or head to the ER immediately? Every year, millions of people, who end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office with orthopedic injuries, have the Dr. Pedro same debate. Cosculluela Injuries are bound to happen whether you’re competing in sports, exercising, moving furniture or simply stepping down from a curb. “In the aftermath of an injury, it’s not always easy to decide if and when to seek medical attention,” said Dr. Pedro Cosculluela, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist West Hospital.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN INJURY
Whether you get hurt at home or while you’re out and about, deciding what to do after an injury can be stressful. You may feel compelled to push through the pain, but continuing to move the injured area could lead to further damage and a longer recovery time. “An injury happens when you’ve pushed your body too far. Either as a result of strenuous activity or in a mechanical fashion, as in an ankle sprain.” Cosculluela advises the following after an injury: Rest the injured area to avoid further injury. Apply ice or compression to reduce swelling. Elevate the injured area, also to diminish swelling.
Protect the injured extremity. This can be done with a brace or cast.
HOW SERIOUS IS IT?
How do you know if you have a minor injury that will heal on its own, or if you need further treatment from a doctor? Minor injuries can often be treated at home, but there are times when you should see a doctor to ensure proper healing. Your ability to bear weight on the joint is key. “If you’re unable to bear weight on a joint after an injury, you should see a physician for a clinical and radiographic evaluation,” Cosculluela said. Any injury that triggers swelling in the ankle or knee should also be evaluated. The majority of these injuries don’t need to be evaluated in the hospital, but should be evaluated soon in a doctor’s office or at an injury clinic. The question is whether it should be evaluated right away, or if you should wait. Warning signs that you should seek medical help right away for more serious injuries include the following: Any deformity of the limb Inability to bear weight Persistent pain Significant swelling with inability to move fingers or toes Swelling of a joint that comes on rapidly Weakness when moving a limb or muscle “When in doubt, it’s a good idea to have an injury evaluated by an orthopedic specialist or sports medicine doctor,” Cosculluela said.
SAME-DAY ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINICS The next time an injury slows you down, come in for quick and convenient same-day care at Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinics. Simply drop in for evaluation and treatment of your injury. Major insurance plans are accepted. The clinic provides treatment for: Acute orthopedic injuries Fractures and broken bones Injured tendons Minor dislocations
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Painful or swollen joints Sports injuries Sprains and strains Torn ligaments Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-west or call 832.522.8280 to get started. Chronic conditions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 832.522.8280 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAL? Some injuries take longer to heal compared to others, and this may depend on the location and severity of the injury, your age, overall health and other factors. In addition to home treatment with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), a doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections or surgery to repair torn ligaments, tendons or broken bones. For injuries that don’t heal quickly on their own, physical therapy can be a key part of the recovery process. The following are a range of recovery times for common orthopedic injuries.
AVERAGE RECOVERY TIMES a few days
HAMSTRING STRAIN
A few days for a mild strain; up to 3 months for a partial or complete muscle tear. ANKLE SPRAIN
4-6 weeks
4-6 weeks 3-6 months
A low grade ankle sprain or strain usually takes 4-6 weeks to recover from. The more typical, grade 3 ankle sprains, will usually require 8-12 weeks for full recovery. TENNIS ELBOW
Most people improve in 4-6 weeks. SHIN SPLINTS
Up to 3-6 months. ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) TEAR
4-6 months
This injury typically requires surgery to restore the stability of the knee and to prevent additional injury to the cartilage and the meniscus. It usually takes 4-6 months to return to most activities, while full return to athletics can take up to a year. ROTATOR CUFF INJURY
4-6 months
Can be treated both with or without surgical intervention. The decision to proceed with surgery depends on the patient’s age, activity level, handedness, and severity of the injury. Typical return to most activities after rotator cuff surgery is about 4-6 months with full return taking closer to 1 year. HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/WEST 5
Colon Cancer in Younger Adults:
KNOW THE RISKS I
t may be hard to believe that colon cancer could develop in your 20s, 30s or 40s — but the risks are real. In 2020, the death of actor Chadwick Boseman at age 43 from colon cancer underscored the threat of colon cancer to younger adults. With colon cancer increasing in younger adults, it’s important to raise awareness about the risks and be proactive Dr. Shailaja about prevention and early detection. Jamma The American Cancer Society estimates that 12% of all new colon cancer cases in the U.S. will be diagnosed in patients younger than 50. Lifestyle factors, such as having a poor diet and being overweight, may be contributing to the increase in cases in younger adults; however, much is not known yet. “The group at highest risk for colon cancer is still adults ages 50 and older, but the risk of colon cancer for younger adults is rising fast,” said Dr. Shailaja Jamma, a gastroenterology specialist with Houston Methodist West Hospital.
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING
Early screenings and detection of colorectal cancer make it possible to find the disease early when it’s more treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for people with an average risk of colon cancer. If you have an increased risk for colorectal cancer, screening should start before age 45. You may be at increased or high risk for colon cancer if you have: A strong family history of colon cancer A personal history of colorectal polyps Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease A hereditary syndrome that increases your risk Radiation to your abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer How do you know if you have a strong family history of colon cancer? “If a parent, sibling or child in your family has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your own risk is higher,” Jamma said. “And if that relative was diagnosed before age 50 or if more than one relative has been diagnosed, your risk increases.”
Protect Your Health
If you’re having colon cancer symptoms — at any age — take it seriously and see your doctor. Visit houstonmethodist.org/gi-west or call 832.522.8560 to schedule an appointment.
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REDUCE YOUR RISKS
Some factors that increase your risk for colon cancer are beyond your control. However, you have the power to make healthy lifestyle choices to help reduce your risk: Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may help prevent colon cancer. Avoid highly processed foods. Lunch meats and foods containing added chemicals and preservatives may increase colon cancer risk. Exercise regularly. Having a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to colon cancer. Lose weight. Being overweight or obese can also increase the risk of colon cancer. Quit tobacco and limit alcohol. Both are linked to many cancers, including colon cancer.
WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS
Colon cancer is more likely to be overlooked in younger people and tends to be more aggressive, so it’s important to get checked out if you have concerns. Some of the warning signs include rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, unusual abdominal pains and unexpected weight loss.
WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
O
ur journey through life is full of transitions and changes that can affect our physical health, emotional well-being and social relationships. Dr. Stephanie For most women, Roy menopause, or the cessation of menstruation, is preceded by a three- to 10-year transition known as perimenopause. Although no two women experience perimenopause the same way, the onset of any of these symptoms is a signal that your reproductive years may be coming to an end.
MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES
Irregular menstrual bleeding is a telltale sign of perimenopause. “Your periods may become more unpredictable in the months or years before menopause. Some women have longer or shorter periods with lighter or heavier bleeding,” said Dr. Stephanie Roy, an obstetriciangynecologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital. Roy recommends keeping notes in a menstrual cycle log to help identify new patterns in your cycle. This can help your health care provider determine what kind of treatment, if any, may be appropriate.
HOT FLASHES
During perimenopause, your body’s estrogen production begins to taper off. In response, the pituitary gland releases bursts of luteinizing hormone. Hot flashes can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. “You may feel sudden heat in your face, neck and chest followed by profuse sweating and then chills. At night, hot flashes may disrupt sleep,” Roy explained. Roy recommends the following tips to ease hot flashes and improve sleep: Dressing in layers and keeping your bedroom cool. Practicing yoga or tai chi to help you relax. Meditating or practicing deep breathing exercises.
PLAN FOR MENOPAUSE The onset of perimenopause is an indication that menopause is coming. Use this knowledge to work with your health care provider to make decisions about this next life stage, such as: Evaluating your bone health with a bone density scan so your provider can identify and treat bone loss as you age. Understanding your heart health to learn what steps you can take to prevent or address problems that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Continuing to use contraception until you no longer have a period for one year. Preparing emotionally for the transition to postmenopause.
Limiting or avoiding energy drinks, caffeine, alcohol, smoking and spicy foods. If hot flashes continue to disrupt your life, talk to your health care provider about nonhormonal treatment options.
VAGINAL DRYNESS
Less estrogen causes the vulva and vagina to become less elastic. Vaginal tissues also become drier and thinner, which may cause burning and itching. As a result, perimenopausal women may have discomfort during intercourse. “A water-based lubricant may help relieve
this discomfort, or your provider may prescribe an estrogen cream,” Roy added.
MOOD SWINGS
Interrupted sleep may cause irritability and mild depression. Some women may also experience problems remembering or concentrating. Talk to your health care provider if you’re experiencing these or other changes. “It’s important to know that many of the side effects of perimenopause can be helped with lifestyle changes and medical treatment,” Roy said.
Live Life to the Fullest
Your health care provider can recommend ways to make your perimenopausal years less bothersome and ease the transition to menopause. Call 832.522.5522 or visit houstonmethodist.org to find an obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital.
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WE STAND BEHIND THE VACCINE Here’s why our experts support the COVID-19 vaccine:
TESTED
TRUSTED
EFFECTIVE
There has been thorough testing and rigorous external review. Previous research and new technology allowed the vaccine to be developed faster, yet still follow the standard FDA process for emergency review before approval.
Most side effects are minimal, like other vaccines — including sore arms, muscle aches and fever. These flu-like symptoms indicate that the vaccine is doing its job — helping your body develop immunity to the virus. Other side effects are rare.
Current evidence indicates the vaccine is safe and up to 95% effective. COVID-19 can be fatal or debilitating. The risks of experiencing serious symptoms or being hospitalized from the disease are far greater than the risks associated with getting the vaccine.
We encourage you to get the first vaccine available to you. Visit houstonmethodist.org/texas-vaccine-hub to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine now. #ProtectedTogether
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